2008 smart Fortwo transmission problems

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · SC

I was entering an intersection and missed judged the traffic light and was a bit to far forward, so I tried to reverse but the car would not shift to reverse. I have had an actuator replaced but the problem still happens intermittently where it will not shift to reverse. I have logged into smart car forums online and it seems to be an ongoing problem with many smart cars. I have not had the manufacturer look at it yet. Many on the forum said in some cases it is a software issue. But it is dangerous.

Filed Dec 31, 2019 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 smart fortwo. After the vehicle was started and shifted into reverse, it failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to mercedes-benz of orlando (810 orlando ave, maitland, fl 32751, (407) 680-0784) to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure occurred at least four times previously. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

Filed Feb 1, 2019 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 smart fortwo. After starting the vehicle, the transmission shifter would not switch to the reverse position. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Jul 21, 2017 · Transmission · 5 miles · VA

It will stop working and will not go into drive at all the car just sit there and will not drive at all, this is not good when sitting in traffic lights

Filed Dec 7, 2016 · Transmission · 84,000 miles · NC

Know issue with transmission. Will not go into reverse half the time. Making it dangerous if needed quickly. Parallel parking on a busy street, the car would not go into reverse, holding up traffic for a very long time. Having to push it into the spot! Mercedes says it is a software problem. But that should be a recall because that is their problem. Many people have had the same issue. Driving down the highway at 70mph and the car instantly starts flashing neutral and beeping. Car slows and will not go into gear. We need this car to be recalled!

Filed Nov 12, 2016 · Electrical, Transmission · 20,000 miles · WA

The cars transmission will not switch to reverse intermittently its an electrical things

Filed Nov 4, 2016 · Body, Engine · 35,756 miles · CA · fire

While driving rear motor caught fire.

Filed Jul 6, 2016 · Transmission · 43,277 miles · MA

While driving car will drive fine..stop to parallel park or reverse...car will not go into reverse gear..or drive gear.... Shut car off to reset everything then car will not start up for awhile..... If at all taken to smart center to no avil called smart all they want to do is give me a $500 dollar discount on another smart car... And no answer to the current problem im having with a current smart car car only has 43,277 miles

Filed Nov 10, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 28,000 miles · IL

Failure to shift out of park into reverse. Gearshift moves but gear display goes blank and chime sounds. Sometimes it will go into drive. It may be a solenoid problem. Very frustrating and it seems to be getting worse over time. I now have 38,000 miles on the car. This issue needs to be looked into. I expect better out of damlier benz.

Filed Sep 10, 2014 · Transmission · 5,000 miles · NC

Vehicle started not going into reverse when shifting into reverse from drive. Also if idling then shifting into reverse it will not go, it would go to neutral.